Dawn Chorus – Steps Hill
1st May 2005

There had been heavy rain, hail, thunder & lightning in the Tring/Ivinghoe area through the night. We met our leader John Wyatt in the car park at Steps Hill at 6a.m.

Two of the first birds seen by the early arrivals from the car park were Kestrel & Hobby. As soon as everyone arrived, we slowly ambled through the scrub area of Steps Hill, There was plenty of birdsong and John identified each song for us. We had good views of Linnet, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap & Whitethroat. Only the Garden Warbler remained elusive although it could be heard singing.

We continued along the top of the ridge into the wooded area where the many bluebells gave off a strong scent. We saw Buzzard, Green & Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Great, Blue & Coal tits.

We returned to the car park at about 9a.m. & set off for Startops Reservoir & the Bluebell cafe where we were to have breakfast. Prior to entering the café, we looked over the reservoir & saw the usual ducks & grebe plus Arctic & Common Terns. During the morning we saw about 40 species.

A good breakfast nicely rounded off the morning.

Dave Jones

(Photographs by Dave Jennings)